Whatever the supposed inner qualities of sailors might be,
it has to be admitted that the eye-catching uniform is a great asset.
Naval attire is quite different to other military outfits - for reasons of practicality supposedly.
The caps have no peaks and instantly seem to convey jauntiness and fun.
it has to be admitted that the eye-catching uniform is a great asset.
Naval attire is quite different to other military outfits - for reasons of practicality supposedly.
The caps have no peaks and instantly seem to convey jauntiness and fun.
(7)
The UK and most other Navies have a round rigid cap.
When tilted back they form a halo like circle framing the head
which can make a man look quite boyish (7).
They can also be tilted forward at a jaunty angle.
When tilted back they form a halo like circle framing the head
which can make a man look quite boyish (7).
They can also be tilted forward at a jaunty angle.
(8)
The US Navy cap is something else.
In it’s pristine state it can look quite naff - a bit like a cook’s headgear (8).
In it’s pristine state it can look quite naff - a bit like a cook’s headgear (8).
(9)
But in substance it is soft and malleable and can be trained by the owner into unique shapes which are unbelievably attractive when perched on the back of the head or pushed forward over the eyes (9). This reforming of a formal cap into something crumpled, individual and informal suggests a rebellious cheekiness and individuality which is quite at odds with the disciplinary requirements of the armed forces.
*
I can recall a similar activity when I was at school. It was compulsory to wear the little peaked caps (a little like baseball caps but with smaller peaks) but an individualistic pupil could bend the peak into a curve and perch it on the back of the head creating an impression of casual confidence which was extremely attractive.
I can recall a similar activity when I was at school. It was compulsory to wear the little peaked caps (a little like baseball caps but with smaller peaks) but an individualistic pupil could bend the peak into a curve and perch it on the back of the head creating an impression of casual confidence which was extremely attractive.
(10) In both Navy and school there is a correct position in which to wear the cap for inspections but individualistic deviation, it seems, is tolerated. The Royal Navy cap is less amenable to twisting in this way but -as this example shows - not totally immune (10).
Continued
Read this series from episode 1
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